They have launched a consultation exercise to gauge public opinion on increasing parking charges and introducing new planning application fees. The future of five information centres is being evaluated.

SNPA chief executive Aneurin Phillips said the organisation faces a cut of 8.75% in next year’s Welsh Government grant and a cut of 4.31% in 2015/16.

He said: “The reduction in our grant and inflationary pressures means in simple terms the Authority needs to find £872,000 in savings over the next two financial years out of a budget of just over £6m. As the reduction in our grant is greater during the next year this means we will have to find a greater proportion of savings sooner rather than later.”

Proposals include raising car park charges from £4 a day to £5 and for half a day from £2 to £2.50.

Officials have proposed implementing an improved collection system such as Parking Eye or a number plate recognition system at some car parks to maximise revenue from parking.

In addition there are plans to charge at four currently free car parks – Cae Llan in Betws y Coed, Capel Curig, Croesor and Trefeddian near Aberdyfi. The national park has 39 car parks in total – 12 of them are pay and display.

Gwyn Jones, secretary of Gwynedd Walkers, fears the proposals could impede open access to the countryside.

He said: “We're being encouraged to get out and about and enjoy the benefits of the open air but at the same time we are having to fork out more for that pleasure.

“It is particularly galling to have to pay to park in Capel Curig, which is the start of a number of easier walks in the Moel Siabod area, and Croesor which is the gateway to Cnicht, a hugely popular mountain.”

Mr Phillips said he recognised raising parking charges would not be popular but said the reality is that the authority has “little choice given the challenges that it faces”.

All five information centres at Betws y Coed, Beddgelert, Harlech, Dolgellau and Aberdyfi will remain open this summer but their future will be evaluated.

Mr Phillips said: “The authority want to give consideration to the manner in which the service is provided. Certain practices could be more effective in providing information to users in Snowdonia. there is a need to consider all possible scenarios and options – working in partnerships, transferring ownership or even closure will have to be considered."

But Chris Parry, marketing officer at Ffestiniog Railway, said the suggestion “fly in the face of evidence”, adding: “We don’t want the information centres to close, the public still want printed leaflets.”

The SNPA planning service is looking into creating new income streams to help deal with the budget cuts, including charging for pre-application advice and preparing legal arrangements. A final budget will be set in March after officials consider the response to the consultation.